Diana Gail Pickens Rowell

In Loving Memory of Diana “Abby” Pickens Rowell

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Diana “Abby” Pickens Rowell, 72, of Merryville, Louisiana, who passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 18, 2026, leaving this earth the same way she lived her life—on her own terms.Born on September 29, 1954, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Abby, known as “Abigail,” to a select few, was the beloved daughter of Marie Schiflett and Clarence “Joe” Pickens.

Abby worked as a corrections officer until her retirement, a job she often gleefully reminisced about, especially when sharing how much she enjoyed bossing the “men” around.

She was feisty, fiercely independent, full of life, and blessed with a wonderful sense of humor. Though she stood just five feet tall, her personality was ten feet tall—and so was her temper! Abby found joy in life’s simple pleasures, whether fishing along the Sabine River with her husband, sitting at a picnic table in the yard chatting with her beloved daughter-in-law, Jennifer, or singing “Me and Bobby McGee” at the top of her lungs.

She also had a soft spot for animals, from her turkeys, affectionately named “Ray” and “Marie,” to her pet sheep, whom she lovingly referred to as “the goat.” But her first love was a horse named Fancy, whom she cherished during her childhood.

Above all, Abby treasured her family. The love she had for them was an important part of who she was, and the memories they created together will remain in their hearts for years to come.

Abby was preceded in death by her husband of 27 years, Dalton Rowell; her maternal grandparents, Essie Mae Daniels and “Sank” Daniels; her paternal grandmother, Thelma “Mee Maw” Houser of Merryville; her mother, Marie Schiflett; her father, Clarence “Joe” Pickens; her brother, Ronny Pickens; her cousin, Darren Grant; and her niece, Peggy Pickens.She leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughter, Libby Rich, of Grove City, Ohio; her oldest son, Mickey (Jennifer), of Merryville; and her baby boy, Aaron Rowell (Dana), of DeRidder.She additionally leaves behind eight beloved grandchildren: Alyssa, Cuy (Sarah), Mickey “Little Man,” Cason, Grace, Le’Marcus, Ben, and Amaya; one great-grandson, Michael; and many treasured aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Abby is also survived by her sister, Sherry Pickens, of Merryville, who loved and protected her from her very first day to her last. Their bond was a special and enduring part of Abby’s life, a testament to a love that remained steadfast through the years.

A celebration of Abby’s life will be held in the coming weeks, with details to be announced.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Shady Acres Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center for loving and caring for Abby as if she were their own grandmother. They also offer their sincere thanks to Gentiva Hospice for providing comfort, compassion, and support to Abby and her entire family throughout this journey.

A very special thank-you goes to Jennifer Rich for everything she has done to care for our entire family over the past 30 years, we could not have gotten through this without you. Jennifer, you have always been her daughter in every sense of the word, and the love, devotion, and care you have given her will never be forgotten.

Abby lived life on her own terms, loved fiercely, laughed loudly, and left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.